Landlord Fined for Illegal Conversion of Bungalow into 15-Room HMO
A court case fined a landlord who changed a three-bedroom bungalow into a home with 15 rooms. The judge at Staines Magistrates’ Court set a fine of £12,000. This case shows that rules on home safety and space must be followed.
The Situation
Runnymede Borough Council got reports about a busy home on St Pauls Road in Egham, Surrey. Neighbors and locals told the council that too many people lived in unsafe spaces, which led to a close look at the property. Inspectors found problems that put residents at risk.
Inspectors saw mould in the bathroom corners and broken smoke alarms near doorways. Rooms were so crowded that people had to crawl to get from place to place. Tenants, paying between £85 and £125 each week, shared one small kitchen and two bathrooms. People slept on camp beds, and trash lay in the garden.
Legal Repercussions
The landlord faced ten charges for the conversion. A fine was imposed along with a victim fee of £2,000. The council pointed out that none of the rooms met space rules. The council had to get a court warrant to inspect the home because the landlord made it hard for officials to check safety.
Implications for HMO Investments
This case reminds landlords in shared housing to follow the rules. Breaking the rules can bring heavy fines and legal trouble. Investors in shared homes must know local rules before changing a property. Checking that every room meets the required size can cut risks of overcrowding and unsafe homes.
Conclusion
The fine against the landlord shows the strong duties in managing homes for many. Landlords must check and follow local safety rules to keep tenants safe and protect their work. As shared housing grows, knowing the law will help keep homes safe and investments sound.
